Application of masticatory control in dental treatment for elderly individuals

Taiwan transitioned to an aged society in 2018. Appropriate dental treatment is important for elderly individuals. Previously, reconstruction of the dentition was thought to help regain chewing function. However, concerns of the elderly population, such as decline in learning ability and saliva secretion, complicate dental reconstruction. Overlooking the special needs of elderly individuals may lead to impaired chewing function, resulting in nutritional imbalances and increased burden on the digestive tract, causing more health disorders. For the elderly population, treatment must be aimed at restoring as much chewing function as possible with minimal changes. Additionally, regular oral hygiene care, proper design of fixed partial dentures, and implant placement greatly reduce the difficulty in adapting to a new prosthesis. These measures allow us to provide better quality of life for elderly individuals.